Parents and their kids love back-to-school season for very different reasons. While parents can finally see the horizon at the end of everlasting summer activities and having kids at home all day, children are excited about all the new back-to-school gear they’ll be getting.
On the other hand, parents are holding their breath, calculating just how much they’ll have to shell over to cover these costs. From backpacks and lunchboxes to new outfits and an unending list of school supplies, expenses can quickly escalate. Thankfully, parents don’t have to dig too deep into their pockets if they follow some nifty back-to-school savings hacks that can go a long way in helping to reduce expenses.
Go For Preloved Stuff
If your child requires tech-related items, such as graphing calculators or laptops, to complete their schoolwork, purchasing refurbished or pre-owned items can help save hundreds of dollars. At the same time, you can also purchase gently used school supplies. Of course, the selection and prices will vary, but you can save up to 90% off retail on items like barely used stationery.
Purchase Items Using Credit Cards
If you’re sure that you can settle the balances in full at the end of the month, you can do some of your back-to-school shopping using credit cards that offer rewards. This way, you can save quite a lot of money.
Get Into Bulk Purchases With Other Parents
If you have friends in the same stage of life, combining forces with other parents can be a great way to save money on back-to-school supplies. Bulk buying helps reduce the cost of school supplies per item. For example, when you buy 20 binders, notebooks, markers, or crayon sets at once, you end up paying far less than you would otherwise have to spend because most stores offer significant discounts for bulk purchases.
Don’t Take Your Kids Shopping
If you have children who are not old enough to understand budgeting, it’s better to leave them at home while you’re shopping. Young children will often ask you to buy things that are not necessary, and the distraction of having to handle their tantrums can be overwhelming. This may ultimately force you to settle for whatever is available, as you simply don’t have the time or energy to compare prices and secure the best deals.
Start Shopping At Home First
You’d be surprised to discover just how many empty exercise books and unused stationery are lying about in your house. You don’t have to replace lunchboxes, backpacks, and uniforms every year – if they’re still functional, why add to the clutter by buying new things? Talk to your children about how reusing things is better for the environment. Since kids nowadays are more aware, it can inspire them to make more sustainable choices as well.
Shop During A Sales Tax Holiday
If you do your back-to-school shopping during your state’s sales tax holiday, you can save a significant amount of money, especially on expensive items like computers.
Moreover, many retailers offer great deals and clearance sales on school supplies towards the end of January or February, allowing you to time your shopping around this window.
Have A Neighborhood Swap
Most parents stress over the costs of back-to-school shopping. Organizing a neighborhood swap can be an excellent way for people to share and exchange items they no longer use. Even if your child doesn’t like her sparkly pink pencil case anymore, there will be a kid in the neighborhood who would be incredibly excited to have it!
Get Creative With What You Have
Recycling and reusing items you already have by getting crafty with them can be a great way to save money on back-to-school shopping. For example, an empty marmalade jar can be painted or decorated to become a beautiful pencil holder for your child’s study desk. Likewise, small cardboard boxes can be covered up with rope and placed in desks, drawers, or dressers to keep things organized. Rather than buying brand-new things, you can find creative solutions to help save a lot of money.
Stick To A Budget And Spread The Costs
Prioritize needs over wants. Create a list of the items you need to purchase and compare it to what you can realistically afford. Financial experts encourage families to set aside money throughout the year to alleviate the financial strain associated with the back-to-school season, when the list of expenses seems endless. Even if you can only afford $2 a week, by the end of the year, that would become over $100. Anything that you consistently set aside will help you.
Moreover, you can combine expenses by gifting essential school supplies, such as water bottles and backpacks, as birthday or Christmas presents. This is especially handy if your child is keeping their eye out for specific branded items.
Use Donation Drives If The Need Arises
There is no shame in utilizing the resources available to you. Local community organizations often distribute free school supplies to families that need them. Teaching your children the difference between needs and wants can also go a long way in alleviating your financial woes. If money is tight, train them to save up for things they want with their pocket money or through part-time jobs.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that the back-to-school season can be a genuinely stressful time for families, especially for those with larger families and multiple school-going children. From new clothes and books to shoes and tech, it can place a significant strain on your budget. The tips mentioned above can certainly help reduce that stress a little, so what should be an exciting season doesn’t get dampened by financial pressure.
